Department Overview:

The Town of Matthews Fire & Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was established as a town department in November 2008. The department traces its roots to the Matthews-Morningstar Volunteer Fire Department (1953), Matthews Rescue & EMS (1991) and U-Meck Rescue (1971).

Matthews Fire and EMS is a combination department consisting of a career Chief, an Administrative Assistant, two career Captains, three career Lieutenants, nine career Firefighter/EMT's, and over 70 volunteers, ranging in rank from FF/EMT through Assistant Chief. The career staff covers the stations Monday through Friday from 6 AM - 6 PM, supplemented by the volunteers. Nights and weekends are covered exclusively by volunteers.

Matthews Fire & EMS responds to approximately 3,300 calls for service each year. The department responds to neighboring cities and towns when requested as part of the county mutual aid agreement. In addition to emergency response, the department also participates in numerous public relations events. Such events include education/prevention at schools, birthday parties at the fire station, and apparatus displays at various businesses during safety days.